Couldn't leave it with that mess

Me being me couldn't leave that photo of my studio in boxes as a last word. It's awful. And do you know what's even more awful? Me still getting up in the morning and going into my studio even though I can't do any work. Jody said I am "addicted to my studio". (Shhh, don't tell him... but I think he's right).

Anyhow, I thought I'd put a prettier picture up to hide that view of the studio in the entry right below.
This is one of my newest favorite pieces. It's called Stanley. It's a wall hanging and is about 15 inches tall. I love the expression on this ones face. Sort of wistful, like they're reflecting on something in the past or dreaming about "what could be".

As you can tell I have really gotten into wall pieces this year. To me they're so much easier to display in my house. They aren't plopped on a table blocking anyone. They can be hung safely away from klutzes (like somebody I adore... even when he breaks my stuff). Like I've said before when I looked around my own house most of the art I collect is wall pieces so I said "ding dong" why aren't you making more? Hope you enjoy.

Sad Studio

Look at the state of my studio. Is this not the saddest thing? Okay, maybe not but it looks pretty hideous. No, not pretty hideous because there is nothing pretty about it. We're getting the last boxes together and Wednesday after teaching my classes we get a u-haul and start loading. Needless to say there are other more fun and exciting things I'd rather be doing than moving all of my junk; like giving birth, getting a full body wax, and a colonoscopy at the same time. But it's a necessary evil. My kids will be going to the gallery this evening and coming off Etsy. Enough of me hoarding them like some crazy cat lady. When I get the new studio together you can be sure I will post lots of pics.

Acquisition for the Permanent Collection: Cafesjian Center for the Arts, Armenia

I just received some really great news from Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA where I am currently taking part a Tea Pot exhibition. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Armenia has acquired one of my pieces for their permanent collection.

The piece they purchased is She Pot: Green Tea Leaves (accompanying this entry). As most of you know I tend to make sculptural pieces rather than functional ware. So rather than a tea pot I made a she pot. Her hair is meant to mimic a spout and she is a vessel with holes in her head for adding water or other liquid.

If you're in Pittsburgh in the near future please stop by and see her on display. Otherwise you'll have to trek to Armenia to visit my girl.

La Ouija

How appropriate to share my new baby on Mother's Day. You might ask yourself "what do your clay babies give you on Mother's Day Victoria?" Well, they give me so much happiness. Getting that Christmas morning feeling when I open the kiln. Smiling when I see glazes that look better than I hoped. Running through the house with a piece that is still so hot I have to use pot holders because I have to show Jody. And best of all, knowing they wind up in the home of a person who loves them as much as I do is so rewarding.

So happy Mother's Day to all the mom's with kids made from flesh and blood and to those with babies made from art materials!

By the way, this piece is called La Ouija. As much as they scare and freak me out I love ouija boards.

Every once in awhile I make a piece and I have to live with it for awhile. Meaning you won't see it appear on Etsy or in one of the art galleries for a long time, if at all. This piece is one of them. I call it Queen B. It's a wall piece and they measure approximately 11 inches in height. I adore the little gal on the right. She just makes me smile and her outfit reminds me of my sister Kelly's mountain climber pants she used to wear as a child. (Sorry Kelly, you're busted! And happy birthday). They look sort of raggedy and tough. Like they'd fit perfectly in the story Oliver Twist.

I did put a few piece up on Etsy today. Two of them are free standing double forms. I got a request from people at the gallery for more free standing work, so I have a few more on the table.

New Snowbird Figure

There was  a lovely lady (Constance) who wanted to buy a particular figure from my Etsy shop ask if I had another piece similar to one that had sold.  I told her I would make another similar to it. So here she is so far. It's nice making something that will hopefully mean something to another person. I asked her what she liked in my figures and she listed the following: mis-matched stockings, a crown, an orange striped bathing suit, the word snowbird, and her little hands on her hips kind of sassy looking.

Isn't it funny how often people don't ask for things they want and in reality the person they are afraid to ask or don't want to "inconvenience" doesn't see it that way at all. Personally, I love making commissioned pieces. Creating work of a certain color, size or with special words or symbols for others is fun. So if there's something you want that isn't illegal or life endangering just ask.

Like my mom used to say "the worst thing people can say is no. They can't kill you and eat you". Well, unless you're in a bad sci-fi movie, but otherwise they can't. On this day I thought it appropriate to mention mom. I miss you.

On the Cover: Piedmont Craftsmen Newsletter

I received the newsletter from Piedmont Craftsmen the other day and found my little salt and pepper shakers were on the cover! Way too cool. It was one of those experiences where you open a piece of mail and you're looking at it and saying huh that looks familiar and then "ding dong" the light switches on! Oh, it's my work. There is another small piece and write up on the inside but I am only including the cover. 

I was far too lazy to photoshop the creases from the picture I posted with this entry. (it's a folding mailer) Actually, now that I mention it I have been far too lazy to do much of anything the past couple of weeks. I think I burned myself out over spring break. Or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

There are actually two salt and pepper shakers sitting on my studio table. One has no arms, not because I am trying something new or different. It's because yours truly was too lazy to add arms before she got too dry. But who knows if I like the way they turn out I might make more.